James Rodriguez: World Cup star joins Real Madrid

"James Rodriguez has the keys to open any door," former Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri said of the Colombian when he managed him last season.

Rodriguez was one of the stars of the 2014 World Cup, leading Colombia to the quarterfinals. He didn't just score goals, he also had some nifty dancefloor moves.

His six goals earned Rodriguez, who turned 23 on July 12, the Golden Boot award -- not bad going for a player at his first World Cup.

Rodriguez's spectacular volley in the last -16 win against Uruguay was named the 2014 World Cup's best goal.

Rodriguez was on the receiving end of some tough tackling as Colombia was beaten 2-1 by host Brazil in the quarterfinals.

Rodriguez joins Real from French club Monaco, where he spent just one season after signing in a $60 million deal from Porto in May 2013. Here Joao Moutinho, who Monaco signed at the same time as the Colombian, and Rodriguez are pictured holding the Portuguese league trophy after Porto's 2013 triumph.

Moutinho and Rodriguez helped Monaco qualify for this season's European Champions League, finishing second in France behind Paris Saint-Germain.

His reported $121 million move to Spain makes Rodriguez the most expensive Colombian player in history.

Rodriguez's first competitive appearance for Real could be in the UEFA Super Cup final against Spanish rival Sevilla in Cardiff on August 12.

(CNN) -- One of the World Cup's most exciting players has joined Real Madrid.

James Rodriguez -- Colombia's star man at Brazil 2014 and winner of the Golden Boot -- penned a six-year contract with the reigning European champion after his transfer from Monaco was completed in a reported $121 million deal.

The 23-year-old midfielder's six goals and two assists at the World Cup had heads turning at all the big clubs, but Real was destined to get its man after Rodriguez told Spanish sports newspaper Marca that he dreamed of playing for "Los Blancos."

"It's really flattering to know that a club of Real Madrid's stature is interested in me. It'd be a dream to join the club of my dreams," Rodriguez said.

Brazil's stand-in captain David Luiz was left in tears after his side was thrashed 7-1 in the semifinal by Germany. Brazil, hoping to win the tournament for a sixth time, trailed 5-0 at halftime. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said it was the worst day of his life.

It was the goal which sparked the World Cup into life. Robin van Persie's flying header helped the Netherlands to come from behind and thrash defending champion Spain 5-1.

Tim Cahill's sensational volley against the Netherlands was one of the goals of the tournament. The Socceroos led 2-1 before the Dutch hit back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory.

James Rodriguez was the star of the World Cup but not even his superhero efforts could propel Colombia past Brazil and into the semifinals. Rodriguez netted a penalty -- his sixth goal of the tournament -- to reduce the deficit to 2-1 but was unable to muster an equalizer.

Tim Howard established himself as a U.S. hero with his performance in the 2-1 defeat by Belgium. Team USA produced a fine display to come from 2-0 down and almost take the game to penalties. Howard made a record 16 saves as the U.S bowed out at the round of 16.

Julio Cesar was the hero for Brazil in its round of 16 game with Chile as he saved two penalties in the shootout, with the sides finishing level at 1-1 after 120 minutes.

The U.S won its opening match against Ghana following a titanic tussle against the team which ended its dream in 2010. Clint Dempsey's early strike was canceled out by Andre Ayew's 82nd-minute equalizer. But with four minutes remaining, substitute John Brooks headed home the winning goal.

Costa Rica's 3-1 win over Uruguay was one of the tournament's biggest shocks. The minnow, given no chance of qualifying from its group, trounced a team which had finished fourth in 2010. Led by Bryan Ruiz, "Los Ticos" reached the quarterfinals before losing on penalties against the Netherlands.

Lionel Messi scored twice during Argentina's 3-2 victory over Nigeria. The Barcelona forward was in unstoppable form but Nigeria refused to yield with Ahmed Musa hitting a double of his own. The five-goal thriller ended with both teams progressing into the last 16.

Asamoah Gyan of Ghana scores his team's second goal past Manuel Neuer, but Germany battled back to earn a 2-2 draw.

Humiliation of the host nation

Flying Dutchman

Cahill's corker

Rodriguez rattled

Howard's heroics

Hail Cesart

All-action America

Costa Rica's rampage

Messi magic

World Cup: The top 10 matches

HIDE CAPTION

<<

<

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

>

>>

World Cup: The top 10 matches

The Colombian team bus edges through massive crowds who greeted them in the capital Bogota.

World Cup leading scorer James Rodriguez was the center of particular adulation from the Colombian fans in Bogota.

The Colombian squad shows off its dancing skills as it is paraded in front of its adoring fans.

Thousands packed the streets of Bogota to welcome home the Colombian team after its exit from the World Cup in the quarterfinals.

Colombia's conquerors Brazil have been training in Teresopolis ahead of its last four clash with Germany on Tuesday.

Colombia greets its World Cup heroes

Colombia greets its World Cup heroes

Colombia greets its World Cup heroes

Colombia greets its World Cup heroes

Colombia greets its World Cup heroes

HIDE CAPTION

<<

<

1

2

3

4

5

>

>>

Colombia greets its World Cup heroes

Colombia's James Rodriquez scores big

"Would I jump at the chance to go to Real? No doubt about it, my answer is a resounding yes," he added.

It was then only a matter of time before Real Madrid came knocking on Monaco's door.

Rodriguez joined Monaco last year for a fee of $60.8 million and scored 10 goals in 38 appearances as the French club finished runner-up to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.

Former Monaco chief executive and technical director Tor-Kristian Karlsen, who has regularly scouted players from Latin America, says Rodriguez is right up there with the world's best.

"He's possibly the best playmaker in the world at present," Karlsen told CNN in June.

Rodriguez even caught the attention of NBA star and avid football fan LeBron James.

"Man watching this Colombia game I think I have my new favorite player in the World Cup! Obviously his name help that out #Biased" LeBron tweeted.